Immunotherapy has been around since the late 1800s and has been an effective treatment option in many different cancer types since then, including blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Today in Chennai, immunotherapy is one of the most advanced and effective forms of cancer treatment that medical scientists have at their disposal, as it harnesses the body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells.
If you are searching for the best immunotherapy in Chennai for your loved one who has to undergo leukemia cancer treatment in Chennai or lymphoma cancer treatment in Chennai, then Chennai would be the right place for immunotherapy treatment that can help your loved one to live a long life without the use of chemotherapy or other cancer treatments.
When you are looking for a cost-effective place to get immunotherapy in Chennai, look no further than VS Hospitals. This hospital is the largest private healthcare provider in Chennai and has all of the latest technologies at its fingertips – like the cutting-edge radiosurgery system – to keep you safe and healthy throughout your treatment and recovery process. Read on to learn why VS Hospitals is the most affordable hospital to get immunotherapy in Chennai.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that involves giving a person drugs or other substances to help their immune system better recognize and fight cancer cells. This type of therapy is often used when cancers have spread (metastasized) beyond the area where they first started. Immunotherapy can be given as an injection, intravenously (IV), by mouth, or as part of surgery to remove cancerous tumours.
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How Does it Work?
If anyone has cancer, they can prefer this immunotherapy rather than chemotherapy, because it is more effective than giving chemo. Cancer immunotherapy is an emerging form of treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
The therapy works by stimulating the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack the tumor. This approach differs from chemotherapy, which kills both healthy and diseased cells, and radiation therapy, which targets only diseased cells.
If you are wondering about the best immunotherapy in Chennai, then VS Hospitals is an ideal choice for you. Move your step ahead, and get better immunotherapy treatment there.
Types of Immunotherapy in Chennai
The application of immunotherapy in cancer treatment involves leveraging the immune system of the body to assist in battling cancer cells. There are several different types of immunotherapies, each of which works in a slightly different way to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These are laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the immune system’s natural antibodies. They can be designed to specifically target cancer cells and block the signals that help them grow and divide.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs block the checkpoints that cancer cells use to avoid detection by the immune system. By blocking these checkpoints, the immune system is able to recognize and attack the cancer cells.
- CAR T-Cell Therapy: This is a type of immunotherapy in Chennai where T-cells (a type of immune cell) are taken from a patient’s blood and genetically modified to recognize and attack cancer cells. Subsequently, the genetically altered T-cells are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream.
- Cancer Vaccines: These are vaccines that are designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. They can be made from cancer cells or from substances that are found on cancer cells.
- Adoptive Cell Transfer: This is a type of treatment where immune cells are taken from a patient’s blood and modified in a laboratory to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The altered cells are subsequently introduced back into the patient’s body through infusion.
- Immune System Modulators: These are drugs that can help boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. They can be used alone or in combination with other types of immunotherapies.
Which Cancers are Treated with Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy refers to a category of cancer treatments that harness the body’s natural immune system to combat cancerous cells. It has shown great promise in treating a variety of cancer types, and the list of cancers that can be treated with immunotherapy continues to grow.
The following are some of the cancers that have been approved for immunotherapy treatment:
- Melanoma: Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and it has been one of the most responsive cancers to immunotherapy treatment.
- Lung Cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer and can be treated with immunotherapy, especially when combined with chemotherapy.
- Bladder Cancer: Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating advanced bladder cancer.
- Head and Neck Cancer: Immunotherapy is used to treat certain types of head and neck cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma.
- Kidney Cancer: Immunotherapy can be used to treat advanced kidney cancer.
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: Immunotherapy has been approved for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma that has relapsed or is resistant to other treatments.
- Liver Cancer: Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating advanced liver cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer: Immunotherapy is used to treat certain types of colorectal cancer, such as microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Immunotherapy is being studied for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer. However, it is important to note that not all patients are eligible for immunotherapy in Chennai, and the decision to use this treatment is made on a case-by-case basis by healthcare providers.
What Kind of Treatment is Done Here?
VS Hospitals offers cancer immunotherapy. The experienced doctor is well known to make medicine for patients, with the patient’s blood. The patient’s blood proceeded in the lab, and medicine was prepared which was given back to the same patient. The medicine works well at killing cancer cells just like chemotherapy in Chennai.
How Safe is Immunotherapy at VS Hospitals?
The treatment is very safe. This hospital offers excellent immunotherapy in Chennai. Here the patient’s cell is taken, then it is processed in the lab, and then given back. So, there is no adverse impact while taking this treatment.No, the long-term or short-term impact of the treatment.Few patients may experience fever for a day or two.Hence, it helps to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Where is immunotherapy available in India?
Immunotherapy is available in several specialized cancer centers and hospitals across India. Prominent institutions such as Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, VS Hospitals in Chennai, and various private hospitals offer immunotherapy as a treatment option. Additionally, several oncology clinics and research centers in major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata also provide immunotherapy services.
When was immunotherapy started?
Immunotherapy as a cancer treatment has been in development and use for several decades. The concept of harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer was first explored in the late 19th century. However, significant advancements and clinical success in immunotherapy have occurred more recently.
The field gained significant momentum in the 1990s and early 2000s with the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which led to the development of drugs like ipilimumab and pembrolizumab. The use of immunotherapy in routine clinical practice expanded rapidly in the last decade, with approval for various cancer types.
Benefits of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy offers several benefits in the treatment of various conditions, including:
- Cancer Treatment: Enhances the body’s immune response to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Reduced Side Effects: Often causes fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
- Precision Medicine: Tailors treatment based on individual immune profiles.
- Long-Term Response: Can lead to prolonged remission and sustained control of certain diseases.
- Treatment for Multiple Conditions: Applied in autoimmune disorders, allergies, and infectious diseases.
- Less Invasive: Often involves oral medications or injections rather than invasive procedures.
- Improved Quality of Life: Enhances the body’s natural defenses, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy
While immunotherapy can be highly effective, it may also cause side effects, including:
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and weakness.
- Skin Reactions: Rashes, itching, or inflammation.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, chills, and muscle aches.
- Digestive Issues: Diarrhea, nausea, or loss of appetite.
- Breathing Problems: Shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Autoimmune Reactions: The immune system attacks healthy cells, leading to various complications.
- Endocrine System Disruption: Hormonal imbalances affecting thyroid or adrenal glands.
- Organ Inflammation: Potential inflammation of the liver, lungs, or other organs.
It’s essential for patients to communicate any side effects promptly to their healthcare professionals and oncologists for proper management.
Procedures and Indications for Immunotherapy in Chennai
Procedures
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells.
- CAR T-Cell Therapy: Genetically modifies T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Cancer Vaccines: Stimulate the immune system to attack specific cancer cells.
- Monoclonal Antibodies: Target and neutralize specific proteins on cancer cells.
Indications
- Melanoma: Advanced or metastatic cases.
- Lung Cancer: Including both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
- Kidney Cancer: Renal cell carcinoma.
- Lymphoma: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Bladder Cancer: Advanced or metastatic cases.
For advanced cancer treatments, explore immunotherapy in Chennai for cutting-edge care and innovative procedures.
Challenges and Risks
While immunotherapy presents a promising approach to cancer treatment, it comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Understanding these can help patients make informed decisions.
- Response Variability:
- Unpredictable Outcomes: Not all patients respond equally to immunotherapy. The effectiveness can vary widely based on the type of cancer and the individual’s immune system.
- Delayed Response: Some patients may experience a delay in the treatment’s effectiveness, making it difficult to assess its success in the early stages.
- Immune-Related Side Effects:
- Inflammatory Responses: Immunotherapy can trigger the immune system to attack not only cancer cells but also healthy tissues, leading to conditions such as colitis, pneumonitis, or hepatitis.
- Autoimmune Reactions: Patients may develop autoimmune disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells.
- High Cost and Accessibility:
- Expensive Treatment: Immunotherapy is often more expensive than traditional cancer treatments, raising concerns about affordability.
- Limited Availability: Not all hospitals in Chennai offer advanced immunotherapy, which may require patients to travel or seek treatment at specialized centers.
- Complex Treatment Protocols:
- Combination Therapies: Often, immunotherapy is used in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, complicating the treatment regimen and potentially increasing side effects.
- Monitoring and Adjustments: Continuous monitoring is essential, and treatment protocols may need to be adjusted frequently based on patient response.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact:
- Uncertainty: The variable response to immunotherapy can lead to anxiety and uncertainty for patients and their families.
- Psychological Support: Managing the emotional toll of cancer treatment is crucial, and patients may require psychological support alongside their medical treatment.
Opting for immunotherapy treatment in Chennai at renowned centers helps in managing these challenges with experienced medical professionals who can guide patients through the complexities of treatment.
Inclusions in the Immunotherapy Package
The immunotherapy treatment package typically covers a variety of services, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care. Below are the common inclusions:
- Consultations with oncologists: Initial assessments and follow-up appointments.
- Diagnostic tests: Blood tests, imaging, and biopsy tests (if required) to determine eligibility.
- Medication: Immunotherapy drugs specific to the patient’s cancer type.
- Hospital stay: If inpatient care is required during the course of treatment.
- Monitoring and supportive care: Regular health monitoring and management of side effects.
- Post-treatment care: Follow-up visits and additional diagnostic tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Immunotherapy
Several factors can influence the Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment Cost in Chennai, including:
- Type of cancer: Different cancers may require specific types of immunotherapy, affecting the overall cost.
- Type of immunotherapy: The kind of immunotherapy (monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, etc.) can significantly alter the treatment cost.
- Hospital and location: The hospital chosen and its location in Chennai can influence the price due to varying medical infrastructure and services.
- Duration of treatment: Some patients may need more cycles of immunotherapy than others, depending on how they respond to the treatment.
- Diagnostic tests: The complexity of diagnostic tests required before and during treatment can increase overall costs.
- Patient’s overall health: If additional treatments or supportive care is necessary, such as dealing with side effects or other health conditions, the cost might rise.
Cost of Immunotherapy in Chennai
The Cost of Immunotherapy in Chennai can vary based on the factors mentioned above. The table below provides a general idea of the immunotherapy cost in Chennai across different cancer types and hospitals:
Type of Immunotherapy | Approximate Cost (INR) |
Monoclonal Antibodies | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 per cycle |
Cancer Vaccines | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 per cycle |
T-cell Transfer Therapy | ₹4,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 per cycle |
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors | ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per cycle |
Combined Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy | ₹6,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 per cycle |
Why VS Hospitals is the Best Immunotherapy Hospital in Chennai?
Cutting-Edge Technology
VS Hospitals is considered to be one of the best hospitals for immunotherapy care. The hospital has a dedicated department that offers state-of-the-art treatments for various diseases, including cancer. It also uses cutting-edge technology and practices to help treat patients. This ensures that patients are well taken care of, and their treatment process will be as smooth and swift as possible.
Experienced Doctors
It has a team of experienced doctors who have been practicing for over 20 years. They understand what it takes to be the best and strive to provide every patient with personalized care tailored to their needs. If you are searching for the best hospital offering cost-affordable immunotherapy in Chennai, then VS Hospitals comes first on the list.
Comprehensive Treatments
VS Hospitals, a leading immunology hospital offers comprehensive treatments with customized services that can help you get back on your feet. The hospital has been conducting research and providing treatments for patients with various autoimmune disorders and auto-immune diseases such as lymphoblastic lymphoma, psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus erythematosus (LE), scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, and Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Personalized Care
VS Hospitals offers personalized care for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. They are one of the best hospitals for immunotherapy treatment in Chennai.
Affordable Prices
The cost of immunotherapy at VS Hospitals is one of the most affordable among all other hospitals in Chennai. The hospital has a tie-up with leading global insurance providers, which helps bring down the costs for patients. immunotherapy cost in Chennai, approx. charges around Rs 25,000, but it may vary.
Immunotherapy cost in Chennai may vary from one hospital to hospital here at VS Hospitals, the cost is approx. Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 or it can exceed.
Conclusion
The objective of this blog post is to discuss why VS Hospitals is one of the best places for immunotherapy in Chennai. Their multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses will be able to provide you with high-quality immunotherapy care that focuses on your individual needs and requirements.
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